JavaScript Let

JavaScript let keyword is used to declare variables that are block-scoped. Variables defined with the let keyword cannot be redeclared in the same scope and must be declared before use.

let keyword was added in the ES6 or ES2015 version of JavaScript. Generally, it is suggested that we use the let keyword while working with JavaScript.

Syntax:

let variable_name = value;

Block Scope

The variables which are declared inside the { } block are known as block-scoped variables. variables declared by the var keyword cannot be block-scoped.

Example: In this example, the num variable is block-scoped and it cannot be accessed outside the block. If we try to access the variable outside the block it throws a reference error.

Javascript

{
    let num = 10;

    // calling the function inside block
    console.log(num)
}

// Calling a function outside
// block throws an Error
console.log(num)

Output:

10
Uncaught ReferenceError: num is not defined

Global Scope

A global scope variable is a variable declared in the main body of the source code, outside all functions.

Example: In this example, the num variable is a globally scoped variable and it can be accessed from anywhere in the program.

javascript

let num = 10;
console.log(num);
function fun() {
    console.log(num);
}

fun(); // Calling the function

Output:

10 
10

Function Scope

A function scope variable is a variable declared inside a function and cannot be accessed outside the function.

Example: In this example, the num variable is declared inside the function and cannot be accessed outside the function.

javascript

function fun() {
    let num = 10;
    console.log(num);
}

fun(); //  Calling the function

console.log(num);

Output:

10
"ReferenceError: num is not defined

Redeclaring Variables in different blocks

The variables declared using let can be redeclared inside other blocks.

Example: In this example, variable x is redeclared inside other blocks.

javascript

let x = 77;

{
    let x = 23;
    console.log(x);
}

console.log(x);

Output:

23
77

Redeclaring Variables in the same blocks

We cannot redeclare variables using the let keyword inside the same blocks. It will throw an error.

Example: In this example, variable x is redeclared inside the same blocks.

javascript

let x = 77;

{
    let x = 23; // legal
    console.log(x);
}

let x = 67; // illegal

console.log(x);

Output:

Uncaught SyntaxError: Identifier 'x' has already been declared

Does not support Hoisting

The behavior of moving the declarations on top of the script is known as hoisting.

Example: Let do not support hoisting.

javascript

x = 12;

console.log(x);

let x;

Output:

Uncaught ReferenceError: Cannot access 'x' before initialization 

Supported Browser:

• Chrome 49 and above
• Edge 14 and above
• Firefox 44 and above
• Opera 17 and above
• Safari 10 and above

P.S: To clear your concept of var, and const, and let please go through How to declare variables in different ways in JavaScript?